According to the Associated Press, Calvin Johnson (hand, knee) is "doubtful" to play on Thanksgiving against Green Bay.
The AP doesn't cite sources, but issued the report after coach Jim Schwartz's Monday presser. Schwartz "didn't sound optimistic" that Calvin would play on Thursday. Johnson wouldn't have practiced if the Lions held a workout Monday, which isn't an encouraging sign. Keep a close eye on Tuesday and Wednesday's practice reports. He'll likely be listed as questionable.
A Monday MRI revealed that Marc Bulger has a fracture in the upper part of his kneecap. He'll miss the next 3-6 weeks.
The injury is a "tibial plateau fracture," and with only six games left Bulger is a candidate for injured reserve. Kyle Boller is next on the depth chart, but the 1-9 Rams may as well see what rookie Keith Null can do if Boller struggles (likely). Boller wasn't good in two spot starts earlier this season. Bulger wasn't playing very well either, but had a better chance of getting the ball to Donnie Avery and Brandon Gibson. Both Rams wideouts take hits in value.
Marc Bulger is in danger of missing Week 12 against Seattle after suffering multiple injuries in Sunday's loss to Arizona.
Coach Steve Spagnuolo revealed Bulger strained his "hamstring-groin area," took a blow to the head, and also needs an MRI on his swollen knee. He's having an MRI later today. Kyle Boller will start against the Seahawks if Bulger can't, which wouldn't help the cause of Brandon Gibson or Donnie Avery.
Seahawks coach Jim Mora said Monday that Julius Jones (ribs, lung) is expected to resume practicing this week.
Jones has damaged ribs and was bleeding from the lungs two Sundays ago, so we'll believe he's ready to play when we see it. Justin Forsett has earned a more substantial role with his production all season, and an 89-yard, one-score day in Week 11 at Minnesota. Averaging 5.5 YPC on the year, Forsett figures to remain the lead back at St. Louis in Week 12 if Jones isn't 100%.
Updating a previous item, Lions coach Jim Schwartz admitted Monday that Matthew Stafford (left shoulder) is "unlikely" to play on Thanksgiving Day against the Packers.
Schwartz says tests confirmed that Stafford doesn't have a significant injury and that his non-throwing shoulder is structurally sound, but the short week doesn't give him enough time to prepare. NFL Network's Mike Lombardi and Nick Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press both report that Stafford is unlikely to play. Daunte Culpepper is on track to make his third start of 2009.
The Detroit Free Press reports that Matthew Stafford (shoulder) is unlikely to play on Thanksgiving against Green Bay.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz will play his QB's status close to the vest, but beat writer Nick Cotsonika says Stafford probably won't be available due to an AC joint separation in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Stafford is coming off the best game of his career -- a 422-yard, five-TD effort against the Browns. Daunte Culpepper starting wouldn't be great news for Calvin Johnson.
Bucs coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Earnest Graham's role as a ball carrier will increase going forward.
This is bad news for Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward. The Bucs like how rookie FB Chris Pressley is lead blocking, decreasing Graham's value in that area. Graham also had 47 yards on six touches in Sunday's loss. Tampa Bay's backfield threatens to become a fantasy value-sapping three-headed monster again. Graham would still be a low-upside waiver addition this week.
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